AU2005200327B2 - Method For Depicting An Image On An Event Surface - Google Patents

Description

Regulation 12 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT, 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT ORIGINAL Name of Applicant: BRUCE PETER PARKER Actual Inventor: BRUCE PETER PARKER Address for service A J PARK, Level 11, 60 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra ACT in Australia: 2601, Australia Invention Title: Method For Depicting An Image on An Event Surface The following statement is a fulM desciption of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me.

-2 FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to signs, such as advertising signs, that are applied to the surfaces where televised events are held, such as sports grounds. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Signs are commonly placed in and around televised events, such as sports events. Generally signs display promotional content of sponsors and customers who pay to have their advertisements at the ground. This provides them with the benefit of exposure to a wide viewer audience during televising of the event Advertising signs 11 are often painted directly on to the event surface 10, such as a sports field, as shown in Figure Ia. This provides the advertiser with significant exposure, due to the surface featuring prominently in any televising. A drawback of surface advertising signs is that often the signs 11 appear out of proportion to the audience when watching the event on television 13, as shown in Figure lb. This is due to the geometric relationship between the camera 12 and the event surfce 10. This distortion is partially overcome by the inverse perspective transform technique described in Australian Patent Specification No. 656609. The technique involves mathematically transforming an image of the sign into a deliberately pre-distorted image based on, among other things, the relationship between a camera at a predetermined location and the surface at the mid point where the transformed image is to be applied. The deliberately pre-distorted image is then applied to the surface. When a camera at the predetermined position captures an image of the pre-distorted sign on the surface, it appears in "proportion" to the viewer, and can even create the illusion of the sign "standing up" out of the playing surface. This inverse perspective transformation technique requires a number of steps including production of a pattern or "pounce", which is typically produced from tear resistant heavy paper. An outline of the pre-distorted image is applied to a full size area of this paper using plotters or other specialised printers, and then the pounce is formed by cutting out the paper to form a stencil. The pounce is then transported to and rolled out on the event surface and using the pounce as a stencil the image is marked out, typically using chalk. The pounce is then removed and then the image is painted in, typically using spray or broom painting. In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved or at least alternative method for depicting an image on an event surface. An advantage of the method of the invention is that it does not require production of a large or full scale pounce or stencil. In one aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a method for depicting an image on an event surface comprising: proj ecting the image onto the event surface from at least approximately a point at which a camera will be positioned during subsequent recording or televising of an event on the event surface; while projecting the image onto the event surface, marking out at least an outline of the image on the event surface; and recording or televising the event on the event surface, with the image marked thereon, using a camera positioned approximately at the point from which the image was projected onto the event surface during marking out of the image on the event surface. In the method of the invention an image which does not require to be first transformed by an inverse prospective transformation technique, is projected with a light source such as a laser light source onto the event surface, from the point at which a camera used in recording or televising an event such as a sports game on the surface will subsequently be positioned. While the image is projected onto the surface the image on the surface or at least an outline is marked out on the surface, for example using chalk or any other suitable marking means. Simply an outline of the image may be marked out and then later painted in, or a complete single colour or multi-colour image may be -4 painted onto the surface or otherwise applied to the surface while the image is projected onto the surface. Marking at an outline of an image on the surface includes either marking or tracing out the image projected onto the surface with continuous or semi-continuous lines and also simply marking out co-ordinate points of the projected image on the surface, and subsequently joining the marked points and painting in the full image after projection of the image has been discontinued. Projecting an image onto the surface includes projecting a full single or multi-colour image onto the surface, and also projecting simply an outline of the image, made up of lines or points or a combination of lines and points which are projected onto the surface. Then when an event is televised and/or recorded via a camera placed at the same position from which the image was projected onto the surface during marking out of the image on the surface, the image will appear substantially correct and undistorted to persons viewing the televised event. The image may be projected via a single colour laser for example, positioned at the camera location. Alternatively the image may be projected via a multi-colour laser such as a red-green-blue laser projector, of the type used in projecting "laser shows" onto buildings or other surfaces for example. Where a coloured laser or other coloured light source is used to project a coloured image onto the event surface, the image may be marked out with for example coloured chalk or fully painted onto the surface using coloured paint. In an alternative embodiment the image may be projected onto the surface via a single beam light source, like a "laser pointer" for example, which moves slowly "pointing out" or tracing the outline of the image on the surface, over a period of time such as 15 to 30 minutes for example. A person marking out the image using a marking means such as a paint sprayer may follow the projected laser spot on the surface as it slowly moves, marking out the outline of the image, which may subsequently be fully painted in. Instead of a laser light source a sharp-edged conventional light source ie high intensity lamp, may alternatively be used. Where the image is projected onto the surface via a single or multi-colour laser projector, the image will typically be provided to the laser projector in electronic form such as and electronic file. If the image has not been produced in electronic form but has been hand produced, the image may be converted into an electronic form. Where a laser or light projector is arranged to trace out the -5 image on the surface by tracing a moving laser spot over so that a person may mark out the image following the light spot or lines, the image may be converted by software into a series of instructions to the laser projector as to how to move the laser over time. Where the image is projected onto the surface via a conventional sharp high definition light source, the image may comprise a stencil or template or other representation which is placed immediately in front of the light source so that the image is projected onto the surface through the image template. It may be desirable to carry out projection and marking out of the image on the surface at night or otherwise under low light conditions, but it may also be possible to do so in daylight. Typically, the image will be an advertising or promotional sign such as a logo, although the image can be any graphical work to be applied to the event surface. The event surface can be any surface on which a televised event takes place, such as a sports field, indoor/outdoor court, track, stage, snooker table, table tennis table, swimming pool, ice rink or the like. By televising is intended to include not only conventional broadcast television but also dissemination for viewing by any other means such as over the internet. In another aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a method for depicting and capturing an image on an event surface comprising: projecting the image onto the event surface from at least approximately a point at which a camera will be positioned during subsequent recording or televising of an event on the event surface; while projecting the image onto the event surface, marking out at least an outline of the image on the event surface; and recording or televising the event on the event surface, with the image marked thereon, using a camera positioned approximately at the point from which the image was projected onto the event surface during marking out of the image on the event surface, the camera having a field of view which is capable of capturing the image on the event surface.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a method for depicting an image on an event surface comprising: projecting the image onto the event surface at a predetermined angle from at least approximately a point at which a camera will be positioned during subsequent recording or televising of an event on the event surface; while projecting the image onto the event surface, marking out at least an outline of the image on the event surface; and recording or televising the event on the event surface, with the image marked thereon, using a camera positioned approximately at the point from which the image was projected onto the event surface during marking out of the image on the event surface, the camera capturing the image on the event surface at an angle substantially the same as the predetermined angle at which the image was projected onto the event surface. The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of'. When interpreting each statement in this specification and claims that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example, in which: Figures la and lb show how an image applied to a playing field becomes distorted when televised; Figure 2 schematically illustrates projection of an image from a RGB laser projector onto a surface; and Figure 3 schematically illustrates how during subsequent recording and/or televising of an event played on the surface, the camera is positioned at the same point from which the image was projected onto the surface during application of the image to the surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS -7 Referring again to Figures Ia and 1 b, Figure 1 a shows a playing surface 10 such as an outdoor sports field, from directly above. When a sign or other image 11 is applied to the sports ground surface 10, and viewed through a camera 12, which will typically be positioned above and spaced from the edge of the sports ground such as at or towards the top of a spectator or televising stand around or to one side of the sports ground, the image 11 will appear out of proportion to the audience when watching the televised event. Typically the image 11 will be an advertising sign or similar. For illustrative purposes, the image is only shown as a frame and a simple graphic, however it should be appreciated that the image will be a graphical work depicting promotional material of the sponsor. In accordance with the invention the image 11 is applied to the event surface by projecting the image onto the surface from at or as close as possible to the point at which the camera 12 will be positioned during subsequent recording and/or televising. Then while the image 11 is projected onto the surface 10 from this point, the image is marked out on the surface. The full image or an outline of the full image may be projected statically onto the surface and while the image is projected onto the surface marked out by a person with chalk or paint or similar. The person may mark out an outline of the image, simply co-ordinate points or lines or points and lines on the surface for subsequent completion of the image when the image projector has been turned off, or the image may be fully painted onto the surface in single or multi-colour while the image is projected onto the surface. In Fig 2 reference number 14 indicates an RGB laser projector which projects a multi-colour image 11 onto the event surface 10. In particular, the RGB laser projector 14 is positioned to project the image 11 onto the event surface 10 at a predetermined angle and it will be appreciated that the physical location of the projector 14 and the angle at which it projects onto the surface 10 will dictate the position and orientation of the image appearing on the surface 10. As indicated previously, alternatively a laser or high definition moving light source may slowly trace out an outline of the image on the surface ie the image may be projected dynamically, which a person applying the image may follow and mark out with a painting device such as a paint sprayer. Subsequently when an event on the surface is recorded or televised, the recording or televising camera is positioned at the same location as laser projector 14, as indicated by camera 12 in Fig 3.

Further, the camera 12 is positioned so that its field of view is at least able to capture the image 11 on the event surface 10 and the angle at which the camera 12 captures the image is typically substantially the same as the predetermined angle at which the laser projector 14 projected the image 11 onto the surface 10. When pictures of the field are televised or otherwise disseminated for viewing, the image 11 will appear in generally correct proportions to the viewer. The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms thereof. Modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims (22)

1. A method for depicting an image on an event surface comprising: projecting the image onto the event surface from at least approximately a point at which a camera will be positioned during subsequent recording or televising of an event on the event surface; while projecting the image onto the event surface, marking out at least an outline of the image on the event surface; and recording or televising the event on the event surface, with the image marked thereon, using a camera positioned approximately at the point from which the image was projected onto the event surface during marking out of the image on the event surface.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein marking out at least an outline of the image on the event surface comprises marking out an outline of the image on the event surface and then painting in the full image on the event surface.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein marking out at least an outline of the image on the event surface comprises marking out an outline of the image on the event surface and, after projection of the image has ceased, painting in the full image on the event surface.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein marking out at least an outline of the image on the event surface comprises painting in the full image projected onto the event surface.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein marking out at least an outline of the image comprises marking out the image projected onto the event surface with continuous or semi-continuous lines.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein marking out at least an outline of the image comprises marking out an outline of the image with co-ordinate points of the image projected onto the event surface. -10

7. A method according to claim 6, further comprising marking out the full image on the event surface, after projection of the image has ceased, by joining the co-ordinate points and painting in the full image.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein projecting the image onto the event surface comprises operating a laser projector which is provided with the image in an electronic form.

9. A method according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein projecting the image onto the event surface comprises causing light to be directed onto the event surface through a template of the image to thereby project the image onto the event surface.

10. A method according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein projecting the image onto the event surface comprises operating a single beam light source to progressively trace an outline of the image on the event surface.

11. A method according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein projecting the image onto the event surface comprises projecting an outline of the image onto the event surface that is made up of lines, points, or a combination thereof.

12. A method according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein projecting the image onto the event surface comprises projecting the full image onto the event surface.

13. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein projecting the image onto the event surface comprises projecting in a single colour.

14. A method according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein projecting the image onto the event surface comprises projecting multiple-colours.

15. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image is a graphical work containing advertising or promotional material.

16. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the event surface is a sports field, indoor/outdoor court, track, stage, snooker table, table tennis table, swimming pool or ice rink.

17. A method for depicting and capturing an image on an event surface comprising: projecting the image onto the event surface from at least approximately a point at which a camera will be positioned during subsequent recording or televising of an event on the event surface; while projecting the image onto the event surface, marking out at least an outline of the image on the event surface; and recording or televising the event on the event surface, with the image marked thereon, using a camera positioned approximately at the point from which the image was projected onto the event surface during marking out of the image on the event surface, the camera having a field of view which is capable of capturing the image on the event surface.

18. A method for depicting an image on an event surface comprising: projecting the image onto the event surface at a predetermined angle from at least approximately a point at which a camera will be positioned during subsequent recording or televising of an event on the event surface; while projecting the image onto the event surface, marking out at least an outline of the image on the event surface; and recording or televising the event on the event surface, with the image marked thereon, using a camera positioned approximately at the point from which the image was projected onto the event surface during marking out of the image on the event surface, the camera capturing the image on the event surface at an angle substantially the same as the predetermined angle at which the image was projected onto the event surface.

19. A method for depicting an image on an event surface according to claim I or claim 18 and substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed.

20. A method for depicting an image on an event surface substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying Figures 2 and 3. -12

21. A method for depicting and capturing an image on an event surface according to claim 17 and substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed.

22. A method for depicting and capturing an image on an event surface substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying Figures 2 and 3 BRUCE PETER PARKER A J PARK Patent Attorneys for the Applicant Dated this 28 day of January 2005